2016 Week 7 Football Playoff Listing
October 4, 2016
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Here is a list of Michigan High School Athletic Association football playing schools, displaying their win-loss records and playoff averages through the sixth week of the season.
Schools on this list are in enrollment order for 11-player teams, with 8-player teams ordered by playoff average. An asterisk (*) beside a record indicates a team has eight or fewer games scheduled. A caret (^) beside a school’s name indicates a team is one win away from playoff qualification.
Those schools with 11-player teams with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules, or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer, will qualify for the MHSAA Football Playoffs beginning Oct. 28. Schools with 5-4, 4-3 or 4-4 records may qualify if the number of potential qualifiers by win total does not reach the 256 mark. Schools with six or more wins playing nine-game schedules or five or more wins playing eight games or fewer may be subtracted from the field based on playoff average if the number of potential qualifiers exceeds the 256 mark.
Once the 256 qualifying schools are determined, they will be divided by enrollment groups into eight equal divisions of 32 schools, and then drawn into regions of eight teams each and districts of four teams each. Those schools with 8-player teams will be ranked by playoff average at season’s end, and the top 16 programs will be drawn into regions of eight teams each for the playoff in that division, which also begins Oct. 28.
To review a list of all football playoff schools, individual school playoff point details and to report errors, visit the Football page of the MHSAA Website.
The announcement of the qualifiers and first-round pairings for both the 11 and 8-player playoffs will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 on the Selection Sunday Show on FOX Sports Detroit. The playoff qualifiers and pairings will be posted to the MHSAA Website following the Selection Sunday Show.
11-Player Playoff Listing
1. Macomb Dakota, 2976, 4-2, 63.000
2. Utica Eisenhower, 2700, 6-0, 106.667
3. Clarkston, 2683, 4-2, 67.500
4. Grand Blanc, 2628, 4-2, 70.500
5. East Kentwood, 2596, 3-3, 52.333
6. Southfield Arts & Technology, 2581, 3-3, 52.667
7. Rockford, 2563, 4-2, 72.333
8. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 2518, 3-3, 56.833
9. Howell, 2499, 4-2, 66.333
10. Dearborn Fordson, 2487, 6-0, 104.000
11. Lake Orion, 2418, 4-2, 64.667
12. Detroit Cass Tech, 2368, 6-0, 89.333
13. Northville ^, 2325, 5-1, 87.333
14. Salem, 2172, 3-3, 45.500
15. Brighton ^, 2142, 5-1, 87.333
16. Detroit Catholic Central, 2128, 6-0, 98.667
17. Novi, 2050, 4-2, 62.167
18. Monroe, 2046, 3-3, 45.867
19. Oxford, 2042, 3-3, 49.333
20. Canton, 2035, 4-2, 69.500
21. New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 1987, 4-2, 58.167
22. Macomb L'Anse Creuse North ^, 1986, 5-1, 79.500
23. Dearborn ^, 1978, 5-1, 86.000
24. Lapeer ^, 1932, 5-1, 72.500
25. Saline, 1923, 6-0, 100.800
26. West Bloomfield, 1905, 3-3, 52.167
27. Livonia Stevenson, 1839, 3-3, 56.000
28. Bloomfield Hills, 1831, 6-0, 97.333
29. White Lake Lakeland, 1822, 4-2, 62.167
30. Grandville ^, 1810, 5-1, 85.833
31. Hudsonville ^, 1797, 5-1, 82.000
32. Warren Mott, 1768, 6-0, 97.333
33. Grand Ledge ^, 1694, 5-1, 79.333
34. Belleville, 1668, 4-2, 64.167
35. Davison, 1668, 6-0, 89.333
36. Rochester Adams ^, 1666, 5-1, 79.167
37. Romeo, 1641, 4-2, 70.500
38. Waterford Mott, 1638, 3-3, 55.167
39. Rochester, 1632, 3-3, 51.000
40. Walled Lake Northern ^, 1631, 5-1, 80.333
41. Kalamazoo Central, 1615, 3-3, 48.967
42. Grosse Pointe South, 1600, 4-2, 65.000
43. Temperance Bedford ^, 1597, 5-1, 80.833
44. Detroit Western International, 1584, 4-2, 49.167
45. Brownstown Woodhaven, 1579, 4-2, 61.500
46. Detroit East English, 1579, 4-2, 54.833
47. Livonia Churchill, 1578, 4-2, 67.500
48. Saginaw Heritage, 1558, 3-3, 39.167
49. Traverse City West, 1552, 4-2, 64.333
50. Warren DeLaSalle, 1526, 3-3, 53.933
51. Flint Carman-Ainsworth, 1522, 4-2, 58.667
52. Livonia Franklin, 1507, 4-2, 64.833
53. Warren Cousino ^, 1496, 5-1, 79.000
54. Detroit Martin Luther King ^, 1487, 5-1, 71.500
55. Detroit U-D Jesuit *^, 1482, 4-1, 63.967
56. Jenison, 1481, 4-2, 61.000
57. Caledonia, 1456, 3-3, 51.833
58. Oak Park, 1409, 4-2, 68.333
59. St. Clair Shores Lakeview, 1409, 4-2, 58.167
60. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 1404, 3-3, 46.033
61. Traverse City Central, 1394, 6-0, 98.667
62. Port Huron, 1392, 3-3, 47.500
63. Midland, 1388, 3-3, 44.333
64. Portage Central ^, 1388, 5-1, 82.967
65. Portage Northern, 1378, 4-2, 67.567
66. Walled Lake Western ^, 1370, 5-1, 88.000
67. Grosse Pointe North, 1367, 4-2, 62.500
68. Battle Creek Lakeview *, 1353, 3-2, 58.333
69. Hamtramck, 1352, 3-3, 36.400
70. Dearborn Edsel Ford, 1346, 3-3, 40.833
71. Berkley, 1319, 4-2, 64.833
72. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central ^, 1316, 5-1, 77.833
73. Wyandotte Roosevelt ^, 1311, 5-1, 80.833
74. Dearborn Heights Crestwood, 1294, 3-3, 39.000
75. Port Huron Northern ^, 1288, 5-1, 69.333
76. Wyoming, 1288, 4-2, 57.167
77. Pinckney, 1276, 4-2, 63.833
78. Midland Dow, 1254, 6-0, 92.000
79. Birmingham Brother Rice, 1250, 3-3, 50.000
80. Birmingham Groves, 1248, 6-0, 100.000
81. Jackson, 1243, 3-3, 52.333
82. Muskegon Mona Shores, 1240, 3-3, 50.667
83. Muskegon Reeths-Puffer, 1198, 3-3, 42.667
84. Lowell, 1165, 6-0, 104.000
85. Holly, 1164, 4-2, 61.000
86. Farmington Hills Harrison, 1161, 3-3, 49.833
87. Bay City Central, 1158, 3-3, 48.333
88. Greenville, 1142, 4-2, 66.500
89. Fenton, 1138, 4-2, 69.000
90. East Lansing, 1117, 4-2, 60.667
91. Ferndale, 1117, 4-2, 52.000
92. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, 1100, 3-3, 45.833
93. Allen Park, 1094, 6-0, 104.000
94. Redford Thurston, 1090, 3-3, 47.167
95. Byron Center ^, 1070, 5-1, 76.667
96. Muskegon ^, 1052, 5-1, 79.333
97. Orchard Lake St. Mary's, 1040, 4-2, 70.424
98. Ortonville-Brandon ^, 1034, 5-1, 73.833
99. Detroit Cody, 1015, 4-2, 57.167
100. St. Johns, 1015, 3-3, 44.667
101. Mason ^, 1009, 5-1, 75.333
102. Zeeland East ^, 1007, 5-1, 70.000
103. DeWitt ^, 1002, 5-1, 82.000
104. St. Joseph, 989, 4-2, 65.100
105. East Grand Rapids, 979, 4-2, 71.000
106. Trenton ^, 969, 5-1, 83.500
107. Linden, 940, 4-2, 58.667
108. Cedar Springs, 936, 3-3, 48.667
109. Niles, 931, 3-3, 41.143
110. Coldwater, 929, 4-2, 58.167
111. Romulus ^, 929, 5-1, 78.000
112. Sturgis, 929, 3-3, 37.667
113. Grand Rapids Christian ^, 912, 5-1, 84.881
114. Warren Fitzgerald, 891, 6-0, 88.000
115. New Boston Huron, 886, 4-2, 54.833
116. Melvindale, 881, 3-3, 45.500
117. Battle Creek Harper Creek, 880, 6-0, 82.667
118. Chelsea, 867, 6-0, 93.333
119. Redford Union, 865, 4-2, 52.000
120. Stevensville Lakeshore, 865, 4-2, 69.167
121. Vicksburg ^, 861, 5-1, 67.500
122. Dearborn Divine Child, 859, 4-2, 58.333
123. Zeeland West, 857, 4-2, 68.167
124. Edwardsburg, 855, 6-0, 82.667
125. Marshall, 849, 3-3, 48.000
126. Bay City John Glenn, 838, 4-2, 61.333
127. Sparta, 834, 3-3, 36.333
128. Fowlerville, 833, 4-2, 56.167
129. Tecumseh, 832, 3-3, 45.533
130. Cadillac ^, 817, 5-1, 71.167
131. Hamilton ^, 810, 5-1, 72.667
132. Wayland Union, 810, 3-3, 41.167
133. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood ^, 797, 5-1, 64.500
134. Marysville, 794, 6-0, 88.000
135. Adrian, 792, 3-3, 50.533
136. Detroit Osborn, 786, 3-3, 41.833
137. St. Clair, 784, 3-3, 46.667
138. Milan, 775, 6-0, 93.333
139. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, 749, 4-2, 58.333
140. River Rouge ^, 741, 5-1, 68.833
141. Allendale, 735, 4-2, 59.000
142. Three Rivers ^, 730, 5-1, 68.167
143. Escanaba ^, 722, 5-1, 72.833
144. Detroit Mumford ^, 714, 5-1, 71.267
145. Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy *^, 708, 4-2, 52.833
146. Ludington ^, 695, 5-1, 55.500
147. Detroit Country Day, 692, 6-0, 82.667
148. Monroe Jefferson, 687, 3-3, 42.333
149. Yale, 683, 3-3, 35.000
150. Alma ^, 674, 5-1, 67.500
151. South Haven, 674, 3-3, 42.833
152. Paw Paw, 672, 3-3, 40.500
153. Battle Creek Pennfield, 669, 3-3, 43.000
154. Wyoming Kelloggsville ^, 660, 5-1, 67.967
155. Croswell-Lexington, 659, 4-2, 56.167
156. Lake Fenton, 654, 6-0, 74.667
157. Grosse Ile ^, 653, 5-1, 74.167
158. Whitehall, 653, 4-2, 53.333
159. Flint Powers Catholic, 647, 3-3, 50.833
160. Wyoming Godwin Heights, 645, 3-3, 43.967
161. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 644, 6-0, 92.000
162. Benton Harbor, 643, 6-0, 82.667
163. Williamston, 643, 3-3, 39.000
164. Big Rapids, 639, 3-3, 37.333
165. Corunna, 639, 6-0, 76.000
166. Hudsonville Unity Christian, 629, 6-0, 88.000
167. Grand Rapids South Christian, 621, 3-3, 42.000
168. St. Clair Shores South Lake, 617, 4-2, 59.833
169. Lake Odessa Lakewood, 614, 6-0, 84.000
170. Dowagiac, 610, 3-3, 40.833
171. Lansing Sexton, 610, 4-2, 65.333
172. Hancock, 608, 4-2, 41.310
173. Saginaw Swan Valley, 607, 4-2, 52.000
174. Clawson, 599, 3-3, 42.000
175. Detroit Denby ^, 593, 5-1, 63.167
176. Muskegon Oakridge ^, 590, 5-1, 60.833
177. Southfield Bradford Academy ^, 587, 5-1, 60.667
178. Belding, 585, 4-2, 50.667
179. Portland, 579, 6-0, 89.333
180. Remus Chippewa Hills ^, 577, 5-1, 67.500
181. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 568, 3-3, 30.300
182. Richmond ^, 562, 5-1, 68.833
183. Freeland, 561, 6-0, 89.333
184. Essexville Garber, 550, 4-2, 50.833
185. Algonac, 547, 6-0, 80.000
186. Ida, 546, 6-0, 76.000
187. Carrollton, 543, 4-2, 46.500
188. Kingsford, 543, 4-2, 59.214
189. Mt. Morris, 543, 3-3, 36.500
190. Olivet, 541, 4-2, 49.667
191. Harper Woods, 540, 4-2, 49.000
192. Frankenmuth, 533, 6-0, 84.000
193. Lansing Catholic ^, 532, 5-1, 76.833
194. Grandville Calvin Christian, 531, 3-3, 38.900
195. Grant, 520, 4-2, 49.500
196. Kalkaska ^, 517, 5-1, 57.833
197. Perry, 504, 3-3, 35.333
198. Almont, 497, 3-3, 35.333
199. Kalamazoo Hackett, 497, 3-3, 40.500
200. Shepherd, 497, 3-3, 40.667
201. Manistee, 496, 4-2, 45.000
202. Reed City, 496, 6-0, 84.000
203. Grayling, 492, 3-3, 39.500
204. Berrien Springs *, 482, 3-2, 48.438
205. Stockbridge, 482, 3-3, 38.000
206. Gladstone, 478, 3-3, 39.500
207. Buchanan *, 476, 3-2, 47.133
208. Grand Rapids West Catholic ^, 475, 5-1, 60.500
209. Durand, 463, 4-2, 41.333
210. Parchment, 448, 4-2, 44.733
211. Brooklyn Columbia Central, 442, 4-2, 48.167
212. Menominee, 439, 6-0, 87.619
213. Hillsdale, 432, 4-2, 47.667
214. Ithaca, 426, 6-0, 77.333
215. Clare ^, 419, 5-1, 60.833
216. Detroit Voyageur, 418, 3-3, 35.967
217. Pinconning, 417, 4-2, 42.333
218. Montague ^, 414, 5-1, 60.167
219. Houghton, 412, 3-3, 27.952
220. Tawas *^, 412, 4-1, 44.333
221. Hemlock, 411, 4-2, 44.000
222. Harrison, 410, 4-2, 45.167
223. Calumet ^, 406, 5-1, 65.976
224. Michigan Center, 406, 3-3, 29.833
225. Morley Stanwood, 404, 4-2, 49.167
226. Lakeview, 402, 3-3, 37.667
227. Delton Kellogg, 401, 4-2, 50.500
228. Negaunee, 400, 6-0, 80.000
229. Warren Michigan Collegiate ^, 398, 5-1, 66.000
230. Adrian Madison, 397, 3-3, 36.833
231. Boyne City, 396, 4-2, 58.167
232. Charlevoix ^, 393, 5-1, 53.833
233. Millington ^, 393, 5-1, 66.167
234. Burton Bendle, 392, 3-3, 30.833
235. Mason County Central, 389, 3-3, 29.333
236. Beaverton, 387, 4-2, 45.167
237. Constantine, 386, 4-2, 51.833
238. Montrose, 386, 3-3, 36.833
239. Byron, 385, 4-2, 46.667
240. Quincy ^, 381, 5-1, 47.167
241. Jackson Lumen Christi, 380, 4-2, 58.833
242. Napoleon, 380, 4-2, 41.333
243. Watervliet, 380, 4-2, 50.667
244. Maple City Glen Lake, 379, 4-2, 52.333
245. Manchester, 378, 4-2, 41.333
246. Detroit Edison Public School Academy *, 374, 3-2, 40.500
247. Houghton Lake, 374, 3-3, 38.167
248. Laingsburg ^, 374, 5-1, 56.833
249. Roscommon, 367, 6-0, 73.333
250. Grass Lake, 363, 6-0, 68.000
251. Kent City, 362, 4-2, 47.500
252. New Haven, 362, 3-3, 36.667
253. Schoolcraft, 358, 6-0, 69.333
254. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, 355, 3-3, 42.000
255. Oscoda, 352, 3-3, 31.000
256. Ravenna, 350, 4-2, 45.333
257. Leroy Pine River ^, 347, 5-1, 60.667
258. Madison Heights Madison, 343, 3-3, 47.833
259. Traverse City St. Francis, 341, 6-0, 74.667
260. Bath, 336, 3-3, 29.833
261. Lawton ^, 333, 5-1, 52.833
262. Clinton, 331, 4-2, 46.667
263. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian, 330, 3-3, 30.333
264. Flint Hamady, 329, 4-2, 51.833
265. Reese, 328, 4-2, 46.833
266. Detroit Delta Prep, 327, 4-2, 47.667
267. McBain, 326, 3-3, 42.667
268. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 322, 3-3, 34.000
269. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 320, 3-3, 36.333
270. Burton Atherton, 316, 4-2, 37.000
271. Homer, 313, 4-2, 50.500
272. Bridgman, 312, 4-2, 36.900
273. Galesburg-Augusta, 312, 3-3, 27.500
274. Iron Mountain ^, 302, 5-1, 56.300
275. New Lothrop, 298, 6-0, 72.000
276. Gobles ^, 289, 5-1, 55.333
277. Saugatuck, 289, 6-0, 66.667
278. Cass City, 288, 3-3, 35.667
279. Pewamo-Westphalia, 288, 6-0, 70.667
280. Gwinn, 287, 4-2, 41.500
281. Cassopolis ^, 278, 5-1, 58.533
282. Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, 277, 6-0, 65.333
283. Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 275, 3-3, 31.633
284. Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, 274, 6-0, 62.667
285. Carson City-Crystal, 268, 4-2, 32.833
286. Sand Creek, 268, 6-0, 63.200
287. Hudson ^, 267, 5-1, 60.500
288. Unionville-Sebewaing ^, 267, 5-1, 52.833
289. Detroit Loyola ^, 266, 5-1, 67.167
290. Hesperia, 265, 4-2, 42.167
291. East Jordan, 261, 4-2, 33.333
292. Ubly, 260, 6-0, 65.333
293. Dansville, 259, 4-2, 41.500
294. Springport ^, 259, 5-1, 51.167
295. Concord ^, 258, 5-1, 48.667
296. Onekama ^, 254, 5-1, 43.167
297. Whittemore-Prescott, 251, 3-3, 33.400
298. Auburn Hills Oakland Christian *, 250, 3-2, 33.467
299. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic ^, 249, 5-1, 61.667
300. Saginaw Nouvel, 248, 4-2, 46.500
301. New Buffalo, 247, 3-3, 26.667
302. Petersburg-Summerfield, 247, 4-2, 37.333
303. Lincoln Alcona ^, 245, 5-1, 55.267
304. Decatur, 243, 3-3, 27.000
305. Evart, 242, 4-2, 44.833
306. Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 242, 6-0, 64.000
307. Iron River West Iron County, 241, 3-3, 33.905
308. Beal City, 239, 4-2, 46.667
309. Ishpeming *, 239, 3-2, 36.038
310. Breckenridge, 235, 6-0, 57.333
311. Johannesburg-Lewiston, 233, 3-3, 25.667
312. St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic ^, 232, 5-1, 45.833
313. Harbor Beach, 231, 4-2, 35.667
314. Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech, 224, 3-3, 30.500
315. St. Ignace ^, 219, 5-1, 56.833
316. Norway ^, 214, 5-1, 46.205
317. Newberry ^, 212, 5-1, 48.833
318. Pittsford, 206, 3-3, 28.667
319. Rogers City, 205, 3-3, 28.333
320. Marcellus, 204, 3-3, 25.500
321. Mendon, 203, 4-2, 46.400
322. Morenci, 201, 4-2, 45.500
323. Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary, 200, 4-2, 46.500
324. Vestaburg, 195, 4-2, 37.000
325. Fulton, 191, 3-3, 26.000
326. Merrill ^, 191, 5-1, 41.667
327. Adrian Lenawee Christian, 186, 3-3, 34.867
328. Fowler, 185, 4-2, 37.000
329. Martin, 178, 4-2, 34.333
330. Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 173, 3-3, 36.133
331. Frankfort, 171, 6-0, 60.000
332. Gaylord St. Mary ^, 170, 5-1, 36.667
333. Climax-Scotts, 169, 6-0, 56.000
334. Muskegon Catholic Central, 163, 6-0, 76.000
335. Lake Linden-Hubbell, 157, 6-0, 67.238
336. Colon, 156, 4-2, 35.033
337. AuGres-Sims ^, 149, 5-1, 48.667
338. Hillman, 146, 3-3, 26.000
339. Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart, 146, 3-3, 29.833
340. Waterford Our Lady, 134, 4-2, 45.500
341. Clarkston Everest Collegiate ^, 115, 5-1, 53.833
342. Felch North Dickinson, 95, 4-2, 35.025
8-Player Playoff Listing
1. Deckerville *, 177, 6-0, 62.667
2. New Haven Merritt Academy, 165, 6-0, 56.000
3. Engadine, 91, 6-0, 54.667
4. Powers North Central, 115, 6-0, 51.048
5. Cedarville, 156, 6-0, 50.667
6. Lawrence, 186, 6-0, 50.400
7. Peck, 143, 5-1, 48.033
8. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian, 168, 6-0, 48.000
9. Portland St. Patrick, 92, 6-0, 45.333
10. Crystal Falls Forest Park, 159, 5-1, 45.100
11. Rapid River, 116, 5-1, 40.933
12. Webberville, 178, 5-1, 40.667
13. Owendale-Gagetown, 48, 5-1, 39.500
14. Stephenson, 177, 5-1, 38.571
15. Fife Lake Forest Area, 162, 5-1, 36.833
16. Battle Creek St. Philip, 143, 4-2, 35.933
17. Pickford, 149, 5-1, 35.500
18. Camden-Frontier *, 159, 4-1, 34.967
19. Flint International Academy, 185, 4-2, 33.500
20. Hale, 129, 4-2, 29.333
21. Morrice, 168, 3-3, 28.667
22. Marion, 132, 3-3, 27.167
23. Onaway, 190, 4-2, 27.000
24. Tekonsha, 135, 3-3, 24.667
25. Mayville, 196, 3-3, 24.500
26. Waldron, 83, 3-3, 23.167
27. Posen, 94, 2-4, 17.533
28. Brethren, 152, 2-4, 17.167
29. Ontonagon, 126, 2-4, 16.214
30. Burr Oak, 72, 2-4, 15.333
31. Burton Madison Academy, 198, 2-4, 14.500
32. Caseville, 98, 2-4, 14.500
33. Flint Michigan School for the Deaf *, 47, 2-3, 14.233
34. Bellaire, 133, 2-4, 13.333
35. St. Joseph Michigan Lutheran, 97, 2-4, 12.833
36. Manistee Catholic Central, 189, 2-4, 12.500
37. Eben Junction Superior Central, 125, 1-5, 9.933
38. Ewen-Trout Creek, 115, 1-5, 9.500
39. Baraga, 150, 1-5, 9.267
40. Carney-Nadeau *, 140, 1-4, 9.067
41. St. Helen Charlton Heston Academy, 137, 1-5, 8.333
42. Carsonville-Port Sanilac, 118, 1-5, 7.667
43. Pellston, 169, 0-6, 3.333
44. Kinde-North Huron, 157, 0-6, 2.833
45. Litchfield, 85, 0-6, 2.833
46. Covert *, 95, 0-5, 2.333
47. Big Rapids Crossroads Academy, 193, 0-6, 2.000
48. Akron-Fairgrove, 105, 0-6, 2.000
Longtime Official, Assigner, Association Leader Czech Named 36th Norris Honoree
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 10, 2026
While a game official’s most recognizable work is done on the field of play, much must be accomplished behind the scenes as well to produce that finished product – and Oak Park’s Robert Czech long has been revered while serving as a game official in four sports, an assigner of officials to work high school and middle school events, and a supporter of his colleagues as co-creator and continuing mentor for one of the state’s largest officials associations.
To celebrate his vast contributions to officiating in Metro Detroit and statewide, Czech will be honored with the 36th Vern L. Norris Leadership in Officiating Award during the MHSAA’s Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25 in East Lansing.
The Norris Award is presented annually to a veteran official who has been active in a local officials association, has mentored other officials, and has been involved in officials’ education. It is named for Vern L. Norris, who served as executive director of the MHSAA from 1978-86 and was well-respected by officials on the state and national levels. Czech will be honored at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center along with high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service.
Czech is in his 44th year as an MHSAA-registered official for football, basketball, softball and baseball, and he previously was registered for two years to officiate volleyball as well. He also has assigned officials for more than 35 years, currently doing so for selected sports in the Oakland Activities Association, Lakes Valley Conference, Kensington Lakes Activities Association and Michigan Independent Athletic Conference, and he is a longtime leader with Metro Detroit Athletic Officials (MDAO), an association which counts 650 officials among its membership.
His first games as an official came on the football field in the Detroit Police Athletic League, and from there he followed mentors including past Norris winners Robert Williams and Hugh Jewell into an avocation that has become a life’s work.
“When you’re younger, you can catch a little heat from coaches and players and parents, (and) it’s easy to get down on yourself a little bit – but you just have to stick with it,” said Czech, a retired Detroit police officer. “All the older guys will tell you, hey, it will go away, you’ll be fine and you’ll learn from it, you’ll grow and you’ll feel a lot better. And one good thing about this type of business, or this avocation, you’re running into people from all different walks of life – cops, teachers, insurance people, lawyers, doctors, dentists – there’s all kinds of people who work in this kind of avocation. So you get to see a whole side of life, and that’s good, (with) great relationships and many, many friendships.”
Several of those relationships and friendships also were cultivated with local athletic directors, who approached Czech decades ago requesting help with the time-consuming task of finding officials for their contests. Before assigners, schools contacted individual officials, and individual officials made their own schedules. Czech was among assigning pioneers, and currently places officials on thousands of games every season in the four sports he also officiates.
He also has continued to work on the field at an elite level. He has received 297 MHSAA Tournament assignments over the years, including football, girls and boys basketball playoff games this school year. He’s officiated a combined eight Finals in football and baseball, most recently wearing the white hat for the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final between Belleville and Caledonia.
“Bob Czech personifies leadership in officiating, not only on the field but in the ever-important areas of support, education and recruiting of the next generation of officials,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “Integrity, fairness, professionalism and commitment are among Bob's qualities referenced by his colleagues, and they also will tell you he is always available to them and always doing his utmost to make sure students receive the best experience.”
Czech graduated from Detroit Benedictine High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from University of Detroit Mercy in 1978 and a master’s in political science from Wayne State University in 1983. He has served as a director of the annual Prep Kickoff Classic football series and been active with the Fraternal Order of Police, Friendship Circle of West Bloomfield, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center and March of Dimes. He also has contributed to the Miracle League of Southfield, Forgotten Harvest and City of Oak Park.
Czech received a lifetime achievement award from the Oakland County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA) in 2016 and was inducted into the Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame in 2008.
He and his wife Patricia have three adult daughters.
Previous recipients of the Norris Award
1992 – Ted Wilson, East Detroit
1993 – Fred Briggs, Burton
1994 – Joe Brodie, Flat Rock
1995 – Jim Massar, Flint
1996 – Jim Lamoreaux, St. Ignace
1997 – Ken Myllyla, Escanaba
1998 – Blake Hagman, Kalamazoo
1999 – Richard Kalahar, Jackson
2000 – Barb Beckett, Traverse City; Karl Newingham, Bay City
2001 – Herb Lipschultz, Kalamazoo
2002 – Robert Scholie, Hancock
2003 – Ron Nagy, Hazel Park
2004 – Carl Van Heck, Grand Rapids
2005 – Bruce Moss, Alma
2006 – Jeanne Skinner, Grand Rapids
2007 – Terry Wakeley, Grayling
2008 – Will Lynch, Honor
2009 – James Danhoff, Richland
2010 – John Juday Sr., Petoskey
2011 – Robert Williams, Redford
2012 – Lyle Berry, Rockford
2013 – Tom Minter, Okemos
2014 – Hugh R. Jewell, West Bloomfield
2015 – Sam Davis, Lansing
2016 – Linda Hoover, Marshall
2017 – Michael Gentry, Shelby Township
2018 – Jill Baker-Cooley, Big Rapids
2019 – David Buck, St. Joseph
2020 – Hugh Matson, Saginaw
2021 – Lewis Clingman, Grand Rapids
2022 – Pat Hayes, Birmingham
2023 – Chuck D. Walters, Jackson
2024 – Candace Cox, Quincy
2025 – Debby Karabees-Betts, Livonia
High school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service also will be honored at the Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet on April 25. A total of 17 officials with 55 years of service will be honored, as will 32 with 50 years of service, 28 officials with 45 years and 56 officials with 40 years of service. A 30-year award will be presented to 99 officials, and 153 officials with 20 years of experience will be honored.
Also being honored during the Awards & Alumni Banquet is Legacy Program official Owen Rottier, a senior at Grand Ledge High School. He intends to continue his studies toward becoming an emergency medical technician at Lansing Community College after completing multiple courses during his junior and senior years of high school. He already has earned his certified nurse aide (CNA) and patient care technician (PCT) licenses. Rottier has competed in cross country and track & field throughout his high school career and served as team captain of both, and officiated both sports as part of the Legacy Program.
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
20, 30, 40, 45, 50 & 55-YEAR OFFICIALS
The officials on this list are receiving their 20, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55-year service awards.
20-YEAR OFFICIALS
Adrian - Cary F. Carrico
Adrian - Casey R. Opsal
Alanson - Dennis C. Hewitt
Albion - Raymond D. Courter
Allegan - Scott T. Jones
Ann Arbor - Richard J. Gilbert
Argyle - Jamie Davison
Auburn Hills - Deborah S. Archer
Augusta - Haig D. Black
Battle Creek - Shikoko H. Cantrell
Bay City - Robert J. Spyhalski
Bay City - Ryan M. Schalk
Bellevue - Paul I. Temple
Belmont - Brian Patterson
Beulah - Roark V. Pargeon
Bloomfield Hills - Kenneth J. Paszkiewicz
Brighton - Shawn P. Waterman
Brownstown - Stephen M. McInchak
Burr Oak - Randy Walls
Burton - Ken W. Carver
Cadillac - James A. Dawson
Caledonia - Amber J. Traves-Sterkenburg
Canton - Michael J. Burke
Canton - Mark A. Collins
Capac - Brent J. Boers
Caro - Brian V. Newcomb
Cassopolis - Brian A. Kuemin
Cedar Springs - Randy J. Thiel
Cement City - Thomas E. Cameron
Channing - Cory M. Roell
Chesterfield - Thomas V. Michno
Clarkston - Yalda P. Peera
Clinton Township - Christopher E. Dalida
Clinton Township - Elizabeth A. Gulick
Coldwater - Scott Heckman
Coloma - Anthony Bertuca
Commerce Township - David R. Eberline
Detroit - Ozzie S. Ashley
DeWitt - Chris B. McNeilly
Dowagiac - Anthony J. Saviano
Durand - Christopher P. Goodrich
Eastpointe - Matthew W. Cowan
Erie - Joshua Sweigert
Farmington Hills - Tia M. Stanley
Fennville - Bruce R. Klosner
Flushing - Linda M. Bishop
Fowlerville - Cynthia L. Champagne
Frankenmuth - Brent A. Shoemate
Frankfort - William C. Henning
Fraser - Shemek P. Pryszczewski
Freeland - Michael R. Williams
Fremont - Brian Peets
Gladwin - Patrick A. Peters
Grand Blanc - Richard E. Brochu
Grand Haven - James R. Corgan
Grand Ledge - DeLee M. Dankenbring
Grand Rapids - Otto N. Brannum
Grand Rapids - Diana G. Dildine
Grand Rapids - Luke C. Griemsman
Grand Rapids - Daniel R. Heitzman
Grand Rapids - Steven D. Lee
Grand Rapids - Terry C. Seely
Grand Rapids - Kevin R. Weber
Grand Rapids - David W. Running
Grandville - George M. Dillard
Grass Lake - Terry J. Sullivan
Grass Lake - Bill T. Walker
Grosse Ile - Denise Smith
Grosse Pointe Woods - Russell Hapanowicz
Hancock - Steve Aho
Harbor Beach - Brian M. Fuller
Hart - Kayla J. Dennert
Hawks - Glenn Budnick
Hermansville - Kevin J. Bellefeuil
Hesperia - Douglas W. Baird
Holland - Anne M. Huizinga
Holland - Jame Phonechanthasone
Hopkins - Chad O. Burch
Hudsonville - Joseph J. Amante
Hudsonville - Kurt L. Berens
Hudsonville - David A. Bott
Imlay City - Allen L. Hibbler
Ionia - Robert S. Sykes
Iron Mountain - Dean A. Lefebvre
Jackson - Craig Dreyer
Jackson - Jeffery D. Oliver
Jackson - Matthew L. Tuttle
Jenison - Steven J. Meyer
Jerome - Chris Zombor
Kalamazoo - Terry L. Fields
Kalamazoo - Robert H. Flach
Kalamazoo - Dennis Keith
Kalamazoo - Alex D. Vigh
Kalamazoo - Jerome C. Jones
Kentwood - Rodney S. Suggs
Kingsford - Lisa J. Harry
Lakeview - Tim G. Rasmussen
Livonia - Aaron J. Rumberger
Livonia - Sean R. Williams
Macomb - Steven A. Livingston
Madison Heights - Tom A. Turczyn
Maple City - Amede A. DeCruydt
Mason - Johanna Andersen
Menominee - Robert J. Villas
Midland - Greg S. Pattinson
Monroe - Christopher T. Westover
Muskegon - Ben Hylland
Muskegon - Scott A. Sikkenga
Muskegon - Donald Snider
Muskegon - Cameron Carr
Onaway - Kymberli A. Wregglesworth
Otisville - Mark D. McDowell
Otsego - Kevin L. Ordway
Parma - Steven T. Walker
Petoskey - Shaun Lamp
Portage - Jeremy Lassiter
Prescott - Anton W. Gersten
Quincy - Michael A. Siegel
Redford - Omar I. Sanders
Rochester Hills - Matt Lewis
Rochester Hills - Derrick A. Roman
Saginaw - Mark A. Kinnett
Sandusky - Nathan E. Rose
South Lyon - John P. Evans
Spring Lake - Paul Richards
St Clair Shores - Michael Billiu
St Joseph - Bruce L. Bittenbender
St Joseph - Kevin P. Boyle
St. Clair Shores - Anthony P. Djurasaj
Sterling Heights - Nicole L. Toth
Sturgis - Brady L. Driver
Swartz Creek - Michael A. McLaughlin
Tecumseh - Brece M. Clark
Tecumseh - John D. Craig
Traverse City - Matthew J. Ameel
Trenton - Steve T. Seward
Troy - Joseph H. Amann
Troy - Paul W. Boehms
Utica - Tom Szynski
Walled Lake - John R. Lyons
Warren - James N. Leshan
Waterford - Richard D. Crouse
Waterford - Deno G. Pappas
Waterford - Robert Trumble
Westland - Jack D. Profitt
Westland - Roger A. Schmittling
White Lake - Michael B. Andrews
Whitehall - Ace J. Covey
Williamston - Giles J. Brereton
Ypsilanti - William M. Nuttall
Ypsilanti - Demetrius L. Owens
Ypsilanti - Steven A. Vinson
Ypsilanti - Ron C. Blevins
30-YEAR OFFICIALS
Acme - Randall S. Smith
Allendale - Brian G. Haraburda
Alpena - Shawn T. Ballor
Ann Arbor - Thomas W. Richards
Bark River - Joseph L. Richer
Bay City - Frank W. Sniecinski
Big Rapids - Timothy J. Leyder
Big Rapids - Gregg S. Sanders
Big Rapids - David A. Scott
Birch Run - Stanley M. Krajkowski
Bowling Green, Ohio - Jim Evans
Boyne Falls - David M. Kruskie
Brimley - Steven C. Wilson
Bronson - Jayne A. Sabaitis
Brown City - Christine J. Lee
Byron Center - Curt A. Stuck
Canton - Andrew B. Calvetti
Chesterfield - Gregory Blick
Clarkston - Craig H. Zinser
Davison - Bryan K. Illig
Dearborn Heights - William J. Stewart
Detroit - Thomas B. Harris
East Tawas - David C. Thunberg
Essexville - James W. Niswander
Fishers, Ind. - Martin K. Spees
Flint - Ronald S. Thomas
Fowlerville - James K. Jonas
Fremont - David C. Steele
Galesburg - Steve C. Pearce
Garden City - Robert E. Phillips
Gaylord - James F. Vanderveer
Grand Blanc - James J. Blakley Jr.
Grand Blanc - Greg D. Hamilton
Grand Haven - Frank E. Roder
Grand Rapids - Wallace L. Campbell
Grandville - John P. Kievit
Greenville - Paul R. Richardson
Hillman - David M. Wcisel Sr.
Holland - Douglas J. Smith
Houghton Lake - Louise C. Hofer
Hudsonville - Daniel N. Hendrickson
Hudsonville - David L. Weick
Inkster - Ed J. Mingo
Jackson - Chris R. Dauterman
Jackson - Willie N. Godfrey Jr.
Jackson - Troy D. Miller
Kawkawlin - James J. Metz
Kentwood - Rebecca L. Cajka
Lathrup Village - Crathman G. Stephens
Lexington - William E. Cayce
Livonia - Paul J. Mardeusz
Marquette - George D. Pond Jr.
Marshall - Rodney S. Dawson
Midland - Richard E. Campbell Jr.
Mount Pleasant - Douglas A. Downhour
Muskegon - Ollie L. Sandifer Jr.
Muskegon - Johnnie F. Tanner Sr.
New Baltimore - Rodriquez A. Lackey
Novi - Charles H. Edwards
Novi - Lonnie C. Erickson
Otsego - Brian W. Bonnell
Owosso - Robert J. Pumford
Peck - Jeff Kosal
Perry - Jake T. Baumgartner
Pinckney - James E. Chapman
Plymouth - Brent D. Albrecht
Quinnesec - Jerry W. Sanders
Redford - Arnold R. Rambus
Romulus - James D. Hinojosa
Romulus - Michael J. Jackson
Roseville - Steven M. Garbarino
Saginaw - Joe F. Schimpf
Saginaw - Monte A. Steward
Saginaw - Roger L. Swanson
Saginaw - Henry Velasquez
Shelby Township - Shana L. Poll
South Lyon - Patrick G. Bracco
Southgate - Byron J. Beattie
St. Joseph - Robert C. Banasik
Stanton - Douglas W. Mascho
Stanton - Edmund F. Phillipson Jr.
Sterling Heights - Robert L. Fort Jr.
Sterling Heights - Bret Turner
Sylvania, Ohio - John F. Blessing
Tecumseh - Jamie D. Mossburg
Trenton - David H. Mossoian
Walker - Wayne R. Bentley
Walker - Jess W. Hollenbeck II
Warren - Stanley L. Wright
Waterford - Michael D. Morgan
Wayland - Thomas J. Hudson
White Lake - Becky L. Lioi
Woodhaven - Frank L. Vilardi
Wyandotte - Allen C. Hall
Wyandotte - Larry J. Martin
Wyandotte - Robert J. Szczechowski
Wyoming - Robert D. Dabakey
Ypsilanti - Daniel L. Cobello
Ypsilanti - Mary F. Gray
40-YEAR OFFICIALS
Ada - Brian J. Todey
Alma - Chris A. Taylor
Alvordton, Ohio - Max A. Smeltzer
Arden - Christopher B. Haack
Auburn - Philip G. Ouillette
Bad Axe - Dale J. Grifka
Bannister - Bryon P. Taylor
Battle Creek - Carl P. Olson
Brighton - Carolyn I. Richards
Byron Center - Curt Johnson
Cheboygan - Matt C. Redmond
Chesterfield - Marty McCabe
Coldwater - Randolph E. Spangler
Fenton - Lisa M. McKenney
Gobles - Steven L. Grybus
Grand Ledge - Todd H. Compton
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey P. Kirchhoff
Grand Rapids - Stephen J. VanHammen
Grawn - Thomas M. Hallead
Grayling - Scott T. Gabriel
Hessel - Joseph E. Baker
Holt - Mark D. Coscarella
Honor - Richard L. Zych
Houghton - William J. O'Connor
Iron Mountain - John E. Hogberg
Iron Mountain - Lawrence J. Ross
Kalamazoo - Charles E. Parker
Kentwood - Susan J. Barthold
Lapeer - Stephen R. Fox
Lathrup Village - Dale K. Harris
Manistique - Charles A. Richey
Marshall - Brad Hall
Menominee - Michael F. Andre
Midland - Donald A. Rose Jr.
Mio - Luke D. Houlton
Munising - Dee Jay Paquette
Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Scott D. Dobie
Owosso - Eugene S. Davis
Pentwater - William C. Bainton
Pentwater - Brett A. Spalding
Pewamo - Bruce G. Nurenberg
Redford - Mark A. Sleboda
Reed City - Sharon R. Lucey
Romulus - Fred M. Waybrant
Saginaw - Luis H. Paredes
Sandusky - Brian P. Jones
Sheridan - Michael T. Myers
Southgate - David J. Weidenbach
Sterling Heights - Armando Melchiorre
Sumner - Rollie L. Carman
Sylvania, Ohio - Daniel J. Miller
Union Pier - Joseph J. Gonzales
Warren - Charles "Tony" Pankowski
Westland - Stephen L. Patterson
Westland - Roger R. Provey Jr.
Whitehall - Dominic E. Pulaski
45-YEAR OFFICIALS
Allen Park - James C. Bales
Battle Creek - David L. Eubank
Blissfield - Christopher L. Bates
Byron Center - Rick S. Hazel
Canton - Jeanne L. Martin
Constantine - Marge Caid
Deerfield - William P. Gomoluch
Evart - Tom W. Adams
Grand Blanc - Curtis L. Williams
Grand Rapids - Thomas D. Shearer
Grand Rapids - Jeffrey A. Wierzbicki
Grosse Pointe Park - Kelvin W. Wise
Ionia - Mike A. Fuller
Iron Mountain - John N. Meyer
Lansing - Michael R. Conlin
Livonia - Brian R. Dinsmore
Madison Heights - Wilford J. Laveirge
Mayville - Clare L. Kreger
Muskegon - Onesiphorus B. Burrel Sr.
New Hudson - Dennis E. Evans
Norton Shores - Randall S. Martinus
Okemos - Michael J. Maisner
Okemos - Lee Rodgers
Plymouth - William R. Baumgart
Rogers City - Roger M. Wenzel
Sterling Heights - Philip J. Lieblang
Wixom - Patrick L. Beagle
Zeeland - Linda S. Schmidt
50-YEAR OFFICIALS
Baraga - James L. Holm
Bowling Green, Ohio - Thomas L. Ford
Cadillac - William J. Allen
Caledonia - George B. Watterson
Fairgrove - Jerry L. Lasceski
Flat Rock - Robert J. Brodie
Freeland - Kim D. Heisler
Gaylord - Tom T. Johnson
Gaylord - Kevin M. Leary
Gladwin - Michael E. Steinkraus
Grand Rapids - Patricia A. Treman
Hancock - John D. Vaara
Hermansville - Robert J. Maule
Highland - Evan H. Lehto
Holland - David W. Smits
Jackson - Ardis Jill Conat
Lansing - Karen L. Yanna
Livonia - Laura J. Alves
Mattawan - William L. Post
McMillan - Cliff J. Fossitt
Michigan Center - Daniel C. Bentschneider
Northville - Edward K. Gabrys
Norton Shores - Duane A. VandenHeuvel
Oconto, Wis. - Peter C. Pericolosi
Portage - Frank S. Gawkowski
Posen - Kenneth Wozniak
Saginaw - John C. Flukes
Saginaw - John E. Oczepek
Swartz Creek - David J. Sutton
Three Rivers - Kim D. Losik
Traverse City - Michael J. Muldowney
Wyoming - Sandra K. Noto
55-YEAR OFFICIALS
Battle Creek - Richard L. Randle
Caro - John H. Amend
Clio - Anthony J. Leonardo
Comstock Park - Riley S. Swinehart
Delton - Gregory W. Nikitas
Grand Rapids - James J. Aalderink
Holt - John S. Malatinsky
Jackson - Ozzie L. Hashley
Macomb - Chet W. Boss
Marcellus - Deborah L. Schug
Mesick - Paul G. Williams
Prudenville - Robert J. Studer
Rochester Hills - William Upina
Royal Oak - Mike Luttenberger
Spring Lake - Joseph G. Popiel
Tecumseh - Nancy A. Hebert
Traverse City - Collette C. Hallberg
PHOTO Official Bob Czech, top left, monitors the action during the 2022 11-Player Division 1 Football Final at Ford Field.